What Is The Abrupt Sound That Startles Rainsford?

Upon tumbling overboard, Rainsford, an experienced hunter, is suddenly jolted by a startling noise. The sound that catches his attention is a distinctive animal-like growl, followed by the abrupt crack of a pistol shot. This unforeseen auditory encounter sets the scene for Rainsford’s unexpected adventure, adding an element of suspense and mystery to his harrowing situation at sea.

As Rainsford swam through the water, he suddenly heard an abrupt sound that made his heart race: a sharp “pistol shot.” Despite the ominous sound, he pressed on, fueled by his determination. After ten minutes of relentless swimming, he was greeted by another sound, one that filled him with relief and hope. It was the comforting noise of the sea, its waves rhythmically crashing against a rugged, rocky shoreline.

What intrigues Rainsford is his belief in animals’ capacity for fear, a perspective not universally shared, particularly among fellow hunters. The peculiarity lies in the sound he hears—a gunshot, the very instrument that inflicted fatal pain on the animal, leading to its agonizing demise as it bled out.